Chapter 84: Low‑grade Amusements Inside Fang

In the valley, a squad of Tang troops crept up the hill. And atop the hill, the "New City" controlled by the Tibetans remained brightly lit.

The steppe lacks timber, and fodder is also scarce, so campfire fuel is mostly dried animal dung, whose burning smell is not very pleasant.

But the Tibetans are accustomed to it.

They even categorize the dung by season into "autumn dung" and "winter dung", store it, and use it in different situations.

At this moment, the moon is bright and the stars are few.

Drums sound loudly outside the Tibetan New City!

Cui Qianyou leads a hundred Tang soldiers, tying gongs and drums to their horses, beating them while hurling insults at the Tibetan troops inside the New City.

The Tibetans on the city walls throw stones with slings, but because Cui Qianyou's men are hidden and have not lit torches, while the Tibetans are in the open and clearly visible, most of the stones miss.

After ordering his troops to drum for a while, Cui Qianyou moves to another spot. The Tibetans dare not leave the city, unsure of the outside, and fearing a sudden Tang assault, they summon all soldiers inside to defend.

Seeing the Tibetans not taking the bait, Cui Qianyou lowers his flag and silences the drums, quietly retreating a few hundred zhang. As the torches on the walls dim, the Tang troops advance again, drum and beat for a while, then withdraw again. This back‑and‑forth continues until the dead of night, after which they depart triumphantly, with no injuries in the ranks.

The next day, following Guo Ziyi's advice, Wang Zhongsi personally leads troops to form a formation outside the New City, visually measuring the wall height and observing the size of the defending force.

As expected, if the city's geography is ignored, it would be very easy to capture; its defenses are hardly worth mentioning.

The Tibetan New City's location is extremely treacherous, with harsh surroundings. However, the defending force is small, about a thousand men.

Although the Tibetans have managed the city for over sixty years, the wall height remains far from optimistic.

Mainly because sourcing materials locally is extremely difficult, supplying the garrison is hard, let alone repairing the walls.

Thus the city walls are built from uneven stones, no higher than one zhang, allowing soldiers to climb them with bare hands. It is more a garrison outpost than a true city.

Wang Zhongsi orders a thousand men to form a formation outside the New City, while the other two thousand rotate rest, swapping twice a day; at sunset the troops leisurely descend the hill, leaving a thousand men to ambush the mountain paths.

During this, the Tibetans are very cautious, merely calling their soldiers to guard the city and daring not to venture out to test the Tang army.

Yet that night, when Cui Qianyou repeats his trick, leading a hundred men to the foot of the city to drum, Tibetan cavalry suddenly bursts out of the New City!

Cui Qianyou is overjoyed; he had long hoped for such a situation.

The Tibetans are poor at mounted archery; their elite cavalry are all clad in chain armor, both rider and horse. This Tibetan cavalry includes a dozen heavily armored riders; the rest are light cavalry, all wielding long spears without bows or crossbows.

Cui Qianyou leads his men sprinting down the hill; over the past two days they have become familiar with the nearby hills' terrain. They drum while retreating, pulling back to the foot of the mountain. When Cui Qianyou looks back at the rear, he sees the Tibetan pursuers already engaged in a tangled melee with the Tang ambush, indistinguishable.

The battle takes an unexpectedly favorable turn—should we charge recklessly?

Cui Qianyou does not hesitate, immediately goes to the main camp to inform Wang Zhongsi and advise: "Act tonight; we can break the New City in one strike! Do not miss the chance because of hesitation."

Upon learning that the Tibetan pursuers are clashing with the Tang ambush, Wang Zhongsi ponders briefly and also senses that tonight is a good chance to break the enemy.

Annihilating the Tibetan pursuers is not difficult; while they are newly defeated, a single push under night cover to breach the city is probably the most cost‑effective method.

"Transmit my orders: tonight the whole army attacks; we do not return until the New City falls!"

Wang Zhongsi commands his deputy.

A keen battlefield intuition makes him resolve to deliver the decisive blow.

……

Whoosh!

In the main hall of the Baiting Fort Yamen, Fang Chongyong dumps the entire sack of herbs onto the table in one go.

A massive heap!

Anaye stands behind him, expressionless, straining not to laugh out loud.

The generals of the Baiting Army, including Xin Yunjing, stare wide‑eyed at the scene, unsure what to say.

"If the Baiting Army wants to make money, it all depends on these things."

Fang Chongyong points at the assorted pile of herbs and says.

"What are you standing there for? Aren't you going to give the Fang troops some Sanle Paste?"

Xin Yunjing, looking displeased, shouts at his soldiers.

Everyone starts bustling: some fetch Sanle Paste, some prepare meals, and finally only Xin Yunjing and Fang Chongyong remain in the hall, while Anaye steps aside as if she does not exist.

"Brother Xin, what… is this?"

Xin Yunjing, bewildered, asks Fang Chongyong.

He does not recognize any of the medicinal herbs, though a few look familiar, common in the grasslands and thickets near White Pavilion Sea.

"Of course they're for making medicine, we earn money by selling medicine."

Fang Chongyong says meticulously.

Xin Yunjing nearly chokes, takes a deep breath, and plaintively asks, "Brother Xin, can selling medicine really make money? How much must we sell? What medicine are you planning to sell?"

"You don't need to sell much, because what we sell is the kind that every man in Hexi can't live without… You don't have to stare at me; I don't need it right now."

Fang Chongyong replies slowly.

Xin Yunjing prides himself on his wit, yet is left dumbfounded by Fang Chongyong's words.

The kind that every man can't live without… isn't that the thing?

Describing a tonic for male vigor so mysteriously, it's his first time seeing it—how fresh!

Xin Yunjing had expected Fang Chongyong to have some clever trick and held high hopes, but the final item he produced turned out to be this, leaving him greatly disappointed.

Did the ancients not desire a vigor‑boosting tonic?

No, no, no; in the unproductive feudal era, the elites of successive dynasties coveted such tonics to an unimaginable, fanatical degree, even at great cost.

Conventional vigor‑boosting formulas include: ginseng, goji berries, horny goat weed, Cuscuta, deer antler, Morinda officinalis, snake gourd, schisandra, and so on.

Widely circulated folk remedies also feature: Five‑Stone Powder, sulfur, Yangqi Stone (mica), Dragon Salt (purple aster), Zhan Sheng Jiao (a tonic made from male silkworm pupae, phoenix fern, schisandra, etc.), and various alchemical pills brewed by Daoists.

The Hexi Corridor is a cultural hub; goods from the Central Plains and the Western Regions converge here, and any "vigor‑boosting tonic" that Fang Chongyong has not heard of simply does not exist as a "new novelty".

The combat prowess of Western Region courtesans in bed is known to every wealthy, mature man of Liangzhou. Those slender‑waisted, curvy, enchanting beauties cannot be enjoyed by men in poor health.

Thus, in the field of vigor‑boosting tonics, they are diligent seekers, leading the Tang dynasty.

In the Hexi Corridor, vigor‑boosting tonics are divided into the "Central Land Sect" and the "Western Regions Sect"; the formulas of the two schools differ vastly, with no similarity at all.

Even within religions like Zoroastrianism there are "cultivation methods" for male‑enhancing medicine; the market is a chaotic mess.

The Hexi Corridor doesn't produce male‑enhancing herbs, but medicines from everywhere converge here, especially Dunhuang west of Liangzhou, a place that can only be described as "eye‑opening".

"Brother, I'm not saying this, but the medicine you've made… could it end up like Dongshi's frown?"

Xin Yunqing sighed and asked, "If it weren't for Fang Chongyong's powerful background—his father being the Military Governor of Youzhou and his father‑in‑law the Commander of the Chishui Army—he would have turned hostile long ago."

Where can one still be so courteous and smooth‑talking with the other side?

A nine‑year‑old making male‑enhancing medicine—does he even know what "male‑enhancement" means?

Xin Yunqing almost cursed their mother.

"Brother, you just don't get it, do you?"

Fang Chongyong waved his hand, turned back, gave Ana Ye a look, and she reluctantly left the magistrate's hall.

"Those who have money, power, and aren't short of women—what matters more to them, a fleeting pleasure or a healthy body that lets them live longer and enjoy more years?"

Fang Chongyong asked Xin Yunqing with utmost seriousness.

"Obviously, living a few extra years is more important."

Xin Yunqing said in a deep voice, almost without thinking.

Their family holds considerable influence in Hexi, and many clan members serve in military posts across the Hexi provinces. Logically, if they wanted beautiful women, there would be none lacking.

As long as they don't specifically target the principal wife of a noble household, Xin Yunqing can obtain any type of beauty they fancy.

Even a single word can set someone to handle these matters, without Xin Yunqing having to worry.

However, Xin Yunqing only dabbles lightly and does not pursue hordes of beauties or nightly revelry.

The lower‑body thing is just that—having too much becomes tiresome; men ultimately must prioritize their careers.

Youth is so precious that even doubling it feels insufficient; it shouldn't be wasted on playing with women.

If one trades lifespan for a brief burst of bedroom vigor, Xin Yunqing thinks the deal is terribly uneconomical.

That's one reason they have little interest in male‑enhancing medicine and keep their distance.

In fact, there are many in Liangzhou City who share Xin Yunqing's view. Male‑enhancement is appealing, but it drains vitality, and few are willing to take it long‑term to display "manly vigor".

Of course, Xin Yunqing has not yet made a name for themselves, so ambition doesn't make them dwell on such things. As for Ji Ge, who idles away in the Pleasure Palace, constantly fantasizing about his former daughter‑in‑law in various poses, his thoughts may be of a different sort.

"If my medicine could be taken daily, not only strengthening the body but also showcasing manly vigor, wouldn't it sell well?"

Fang Chongyong asked with a smile.

So that's the line of thinking!

Xin Yunqing began to understand a bit.

Tiger‑wolf medicine certainly works instantly, but many keep their distance; the market is very limited, and those who take it are especially prone to sudden death!

Yet this slow‑and‑steady "health supplement" seems to attract quite a crowd.

"This medicine focuses on strengthening the body and solidifying the root. When the body is sound, vigor naturally follows. We are definitely not trying to sell a male‑enhancing pill."

Fang Chongyong hinted coolly.

"If the effect isn't obvious… we'll probably can't fetch a good price."

Xin Yunqing said thoughtfully.

The market in Hexi is fiercely competitive; even if it's truly good, building a reputation isn't done in a day or two. By the time the Bai Ting Army makes money, they may no longer be the army's envoy here—what use would that be?

"How can something like this even be sold!"

Seeing Xin Yunqing's hesitant expression, Fang Chongyong shouted loudly.

"Good stuff should, of course, be presented to the current saint! If even the saint takes the medicine, merchants from the Hexi provinces will surely want it; it's just that our stock isn't abundant…"

Fang Chongyong hinted very bluntly.

Present it to the saint?

Isn't that playing too big?

Xin Yunqing trembled all over, almost kneeling before Fang Chongyong.

The Bai Ting Army's conventional methods can't rake in money, but they can turn to side‑ways schemes; it's not a huge matter, just a way to live more comfortably. Even if they fail to earn, no one will die or capsize.

Yet betraying the ruler is a crime that could cost one's head!

"The saint's birthday is two or three months away. Then, the Xin military envoy, in the name of the Bai Ting Army, will present a longevity gift to the saint. Even if something goes wrong, the saint will forgive the Xin military envoy."

"And I can guarantee that this medicine won't cause any trouble when taken."

Fang Chongyong pledged solemnly.

"You need me to sign it, right?"

Xin Yunqing asked in a low voice; they themselves are ambitious, so they quickly saw this as an alternative upward path.

Wealth and honor are sought in danger; when opportunity arises, it must be seized at once.

The judgment is merely whether the so‑called "opportunity" is truly one.

"Yes, of course, I'll sign as well."

Fang Chongyong said with a solemn expression.

Based on his understanding of Ji Ge, he would first casually pick a few people to test the medicine; if it doesn't kill and works, Ji Ge would certainly want to try it.

After all, Ji Ge is in his fifties; being with the young Huanhuan would inevitably be tiring, so wouldn't Ji Ge want a drug that is harmless yet boosts vigor?

If he doesn't think that way, then he isn't Li Longji!

Xin Yunqing thought for a moment, nodded slightly, and said, "Once the medicine is ready, I'll test it first; if it works I'll sign."

"But first we need ten soldiers from the Bai Ting Army to go with me back to Liangzhou City for testing."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly.

"You don't have a prescription?"

Xin Yunqing lowered their voice and exclaimed.

Generally speaking, it exists, but the specific proportions are missing; someone needs to try it out……

Fang Chongyong said with an embarrassed expression.

Without a mature formula, you dare to give it to the emperor to eat?

Xin Yun Jing no longer knew how to describe Fang Chongyong.

"Younger brother, your courage is really quite big."

Xin Yun Jing was left speechless, feeling that this kid beside him was fiercer than a tiger.

"Who says otherwise? At least the sage once killed three sons in a day, and I am also the only one who dared to step forward to carry the coffin and bury those three princes."

Fang Chongyong boasted shamelessly.

Such a secret, Xin Yun Jing had also never heard of it before; he finally understood why Fang Chongyong had the title 'Wan Lang', and it turned out to be truly earned by his own ability.

"Younger brother, hurry back to Liangzhou City to make the medicine; this cannot be delayed, I will arrange more people to test the drug."

Xin Yun Jing rubbed his temples and shook his head helplessly.

He can handle the dangers on the battlefield, but the unseen dangers in the political arena—he feels he may not be able to cope as well as this kid before him.

Let's see how far we can go.

……

On the way back to Liangzhou, Ana Ye several times wanted to speak but held back, and in the end said nothing.

"Are you trying to say that the virility medicine is very vulgar?"

Fang Chongyong closed his eyes to rest his spirit and asked faintly.

"Not exactly... well, I really think this idea is terrible."

Ana Ye sighed and said.

"What if, after the sage takes this medicine, something goes wrong with him, or even he dies from it—what then?"

Ana Ye asked somewhat nervously, Ji Ge had died from taking the medicine, and she and her father would also suffer, with no chance of survival.

"The sage has many offspring; if he dies, we just replace him. The Great Tang never lacks people capable of being the Son of Heaven."

Fang Chongyong, half-asleep, made a teasing remark, leaned his head on Ana Ye's arm, and actually fell asleep from exhaustion!

(End of chapter)